Overview
The Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav chaired the 91st meeting of the SC‑NBWL at the Central Academy for State Forest Service, Coimbatore on 9 July 2026. The Committee examined progress on earlier National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) directions and evaluated more than 100 development proposals that require wildlife clearances under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
Key Developments
- Review of 118 infrastructure and defence proposals from State governments, covering roads, bridges, pipelines, renewable energy, educational institutions and more.
- Discussion on long‑term conservation strategy for the Greater One‑horned Rhinoceros using the Rhino DNA Indexing System.
- Future plan for the Great Indian Bustard.
- Inclusion of the Pygmy Hog under the Species Recovery Programme.
- Release of scientific publications on the Rhinoceros, Sloth Bear and Great Indian Bustard, underscoring evidence‑based policy.
Important Facts
The Committee assessed each proposal on three criteria: ecological impact, public‑welfare importance, and adequacy of mitigation measures. It reiterated that developmental projects of national importance must comply with the Act and other envi